Jennifer Nelson

Jennifer Leann Nelson, age 16, of Midland, died Tuesday, January 16, 2007, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

Jennifer Leann Nelson was born October 15, 1990, in Rapid City, South Dakota, the daughter of Wesley and Nicole (Ireland) Nelson. She was baptized and confirmed in the Trinity Lutheran Church in Midland. She grew up in Midland as well as her grandparents' ranch outside of Midland. She received her education in Midland until the 10th grade, when she transferred to Philip. Although she was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at birth, the amount of accomplishments she achieved in her short life were endless. While in Midland, she played 5th and 6th grade basketball, she was a member of the Badlands Gymnastics in Kadoka for over six years, the Midland Tumblers, was a cheerleader for the Midland Vikings Boys Basketball Team and also took piano lessons. Jennifer was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church and the youth group of Midland, was a junior member of the Midland American Legion Auxiliary, the Bad River Buckaroos 4-H Club, and the Haakon Jackson 4-H Junior Leaders, and a member of the FCCLA.

Midland was always home to Jennifer, and the feelings she felt when coming down the hill to Midland after being in the hospital were overwhelming. When she transferred to Philip at the beginning of the school year, she felt that was her transfer to adulthood. Midland was her childhood home, and now Philip was her adulthood home.

Jen's greatest joy was babies and little children. She enjoyed spending time with her cousins, and the rest of her family, including her dog "Lucky". She took a great interest in photography, and loved to cook.

Jennifer had a very special team of doctors, nurses and staff in Omaha, as well as in Philip, and their kindness will never be forgotten.

Grateful for having shared her life are her parents Wes and Nicki Nelson of Midland; her brother James Nelson of Midland; her paternal grandparents Olaf and Rose Nelson of Midland; her maternal grandparents Lyndy and Kenny Ireland of Philip; her great-grandfather Shorty Ireland of Kadoka; and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins that were very special to her.

Jennifer was preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Betty Ireland, Vint and Louisa Williams, Irene and Albert Rittel, and Oliver and Edrie Nelson.

Visitation was held Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Philip High School, and one hour preceding the services at the School on Saturday.

Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 20, at the Philip High School with Pastor Paul Bly officiating.